Food & Drink
Gus's Drive-In: Burgers, Pastrami and Greek Specials on W 3rd
A family-owned Los Angeles drive-in since 1977, with a menu that runs from Greek specialties to pastrami and a kitchen that fries in zero trans fat oil.
By Local Bongo Editors
Gus's Drive-In sits at 1657 W 3rd St in Los Angeles, a family-owned restaurant that has served the city since 1977. The address puts it on a stretch of W 3rd where a drive-through and an outdoor patio are part of the setup, and the kitchen turns out burgers, sandwiches, breakfast and grilled items.
Greek specialties share space with juicy burgers and crispy fries, and the kitchen also offers fried chicken and pastrami. Breakfast and grilled items are prepared with olive oil, and the fryer uses zero trans fat vegetable oil. The restaurant describes its food as cooked to order with fresh ingredients.
What Gus's Drive-In Serves
The Classic Burger is a juicy beef patty topped with melted cheese. The Club sandwich layers turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo between three slices of toasted bread. The Parmesan Chicken Sandwich features crispy Parmesan-crusted chicken. The Ribeye Steak Sandwich comes on a toasted bun with a choice of assorted beverages including soft drinks, vitamin water and iced tea. The Ciabatta Chicken Sandwich is offered with a selection of drinks including sodas, teas and lemonade.
Beyond the sandwiches, the restaurant lists Greek specialties, fried chicken and pastrami. Breakfast items and grilled items are also part of the offering. The website includes a full menu available for download.
The Oils in the Kitchen
Frying is done in zero trans fat vegetable oil. Breakfast and grilled items are prepared with olive oil, which the website calls nature's wonder food. The restaurant also lists healthy alternatives among its offerings.
Drive-Through, Patio and Call-Ahead Orders
The restaurant has a drive-through for ordering, and an outdoor patio where the website invites guests to enjoy the California sun. Customers can call ahead and have their order waiting. The phone number is (213) 483-8885.
Hours are Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 9 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 8 AM to 9 PM.
Catering From a Drive-In
Gus's offers catering for events at a place of the customer's choosing. The website states that the restaurant is ready to take its culinary talents and exquisite dishes outside its restaurants. Catering quote requests are accepted through the site.
What Public Reviews Mention
Public reviews frequently mention food quality and taste, with several comments praising freshness and portions. Reviewers also often note friendly and helpful staff, good value and reasonable prices, and a clean environment. Some reviews mention rude or dismissive customer service, inconsistent or disappointing food items, parking and crowding issues, and table service and seating concerns.
One customer review quoted on the restaurant's site describes the turkey avocado panini and calls the fries crispy with just enough paprika seasoning. The same review notes a small parking lot with free street parking, tons of outside seating and some inside tables, and describes the restaurant as extremely clean with a large menu, friendly staff, fair prices and large portions.
Good to know
Does Gus's Drive-In have a drive-through?
Yes. The restaurant has a drive-through for ordering, according to its website.
Can I call ahead to place an order?
Yes. Customers can call ahead and have their order waiting. The phone number is (213) 483-8885.
Does Gus's Drive-In cater events?
Yes. The restaurant offers catering at a place of the customer's choosing and accepts catering quote requests through its website.
Sources and how we reported this
This profile is based on the businesses' own published information and aggregate themes from public reviews. It is not a hands-on review: Local Bongo did not visit, test or receive anything from the businesses named, and no business paid to appear.
